Originally from the magnificent mountains, forests and rivers of Oregon, he learned to hunt and fish at an early age. As a young man, he came north to do mission work with native communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Doug grew to appreciate their culture and connection to the land and he eventually decided to become a permanent resident.

Doug made his home in Lac la Biche and for many years worked as a timber cruiser in the vast boreal forest. It was a great opportunity to develop his powers of observation and to plug into the local naturalist community.

Doug moved to Central Alberta in 2005 to pursue a new career as a graphic artist. Before long he was helping Judy Boyd with RDRN species counts and acting as a principal observer for the Rocky Mountain Eagle Watch. When he joined the RDRN board of directors in 2007, he began using his artistic flair and computer skills by designing the RDRN newsletter header and creating meeting posters. Since then, his striking designs have added a beautiful touch to almost everything RDRN does.

Doug’s digital art has few limits, combining photography and painting to interpret nature. Some of his recent creations can be viewed on his website www.featherededge.ca.